Welder{40 s hammer tool

ABSTRACT

A welder&#39;&#39;s hammer tool is disclosed which comprises an elongated slender handle with a conventional welder&#39;&#39;s slag-hammer head attached to one end of the handle and other hammer head means attached to the other end of the handle. The two hammer heads are rotationally displaced with respect to each other for ease in gripping and convenience in use.

United States Patent [191 Pilcher [in 3,821,824 [451 July 2,1974

[ WELDER'S HAMMER TOOL [76] Inventor: John Randolph Pilcher, 2638 Adams St. No. 42, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 22 Filed: Jan.26, 1973 21 App1.No.:327,075

Honhart 7/8.l R X 8/1967 7/ .l R X Novotny 8 [57] A STRACT [52] U.S. Cl 7/8, 125/41 51] Im. c1.....; B25f 1/02 A Welder 5 hammer I001 18 dlsclosed Winch compflses 53 Field f Search 7 g g R 145/29 an elongated slender handle with a conventional weld- 125/41 ers slag-hammer head attached to one end of the handle and other hammer headmeans attached to the 5 References Cited other end of the handlejThe two hammer heads are UNITED STATES PATENTS rotationally displaced with respect to each other for ease in gripping and convenience in use. 790,973 5/1905 Oliver 7/8.l R 1,163,230 l2/l9l5 Gartland 7/8.l R X 9 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures 28 IO 2 i 5 n 1 WELDER'S HAMMER TOOL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field This invention relates to hand tools, hammers and welders tools, and specifically to a welders tool comprising an elongated handle with a welders slag hammer head and hammer head means each attached to opposite ends thereof.

2. State of the Art In many trades and crafts the burgeoning number and variety of tools available and necessary for the efficient practice of a trade or craft has resulted in heavy and costly tool inventories. In many cases it is feasible to combine functions of several tools into one tool to effect savings in cost and weight. Moreover, the resulting efficiency and convenience increase the desireability of such combinations.

In the welding trade, the use of slag hammers, such as those described and referred to in US. Pat. No. 3,336,647, is well known. Slag hammers, however, are limited in use and purpose, and are not readily useable for other hammering purposes. On many occasions, for example, a welder may need to use a hammer having a striking surface different than those of a conventional slag hammer.

One such occasion, which is of increasing frequency in the welding trade, is the requirement to identify welds by making an identifying imprint in the welded material at or near the weld in accordance with various management, manufacturing or quality control tech, niques. Conveniently, the imprint is made by striking a stylus or several styli with a hammer, with a resulting imprint typically being a type of alpha-numeric code. The slag hammer is particularly unsuitable for this imprinting, whereas a hammer with at least one flat striking surface is particularly suitable. As a result, many welders have a hammer with a flat striking surface (e.g., a ball peen hammer) available in their inventory of tools. Y

In some situations, a welder may be required to transport his tools of trade to various locations, and/or may need to have some of them readily available within his reach at the scene of the welding operation. When stylus imprinting is required, a hammer with flat striking surface and a slag hammer are conveniently two of the tools so transported and/or placed within arms reach.

One of the purposes of this invention is to provide a single hammer tool which will replace the slag hammer tool and the hammer having at least one flat striking surface. A single tool which is capable of meeting the objects and purposes of the two separate hammers is less costly, less burdensome and more convenient to use than two separate hammers.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION This invention provides for a tool comprising an elongated handle with different hammer heads attached at opposite ends thereof. The hammer heads are rotated with respect to each other to provide for convenient gripping while in use. The striking surfaces of the separate hammer heads are conveniently of different geometric shapes to provide multiple purposes and uses.

Specifically, a welders tool is disclosed which comprises a welders slag-hammer head attached to one end of an elongated handle and a separate hammer head having at least one striking surface, preferably a flat striking surface attached to said handle at the end opposite the welders slag-hammer head.

The hammer preferably comprises a first elongated hammer head having striking surfaces at each end of the head. The striking surfaces of the first hammer head are preferably of different geometric shapes, for example, a first striking surface may have a conical, pointed surface and a second surface may have a chisel-like surface, which types of striking surfaces are conventionally found upon a welders slag hammer.

A second hammer head is located at the opposite end of the slender handle from said first hammer head. The second hammer head preferably has at least one flat striking surface and the second hammer head is preferably shorter than said first hammer head, that is, its length transverse to the handle is less than that of the first hammer head. Also, the second hammer head is set upon the handle so that its point of attachment to the handle is offset from the longitudinal midpoint of said head.

The hammer heads particularly useful in this invention are ones in which their length, as measured along the heads transverse to the handle to which they are attached, are greater than their maximum width. The maximum width which is particularly useful is about 2 inches and it is preferred that the maximum width be no greater than about 1 /2 inches while a'width of about it to about 1% inches is useful for most purposes. A slender head is desired inasmuch as bulky heads tend to diminish the utility of the hammer, making it awkward to use. Bulky heads tend to interfere with gripping of the handle.

Although the heads attached to opposite ends of the handle may be asymmetrical about their respective longitudinal axes, it is preferred that the heads be substantially symmetrical at least about a plane containing said respectivelongitudinal axis; said plane being subStan- DESCRIPTION OF- TI-IE DRAWINGS In the drawings, which illustrate what is presently regarded as the best made for practicing the invention:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the hammer tool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is'a [perspective] side view of a hand holding the hammer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second hammer head of this invention,

FIG. 5 is an end view of a handle of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a handle and second hammer head of this invention illustrating alternate securing means; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second hammer head of this invention illustrating alternate securing means.

DESCRIPTION OFTHE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 is an illustration of the welders hammer tool of this invention. An elongated slender straight handle is shown with a first hammer head 12 attached to one end and a second hammer head 14 attached to the other end. The handle 10 as shown is a solid metal bar, cylindrical in shape and having a diameter of from about three-eights to about three-fourths inch and preferably of about one-half inch. The handle 10 is typically about 6 to about 14 inches and preferably about 8 to 10 inches long as measured along its center longitudinal axis 16. The first hammer head 12 is a conventional welders slag hammer head having a chisel shaped end 18 and a conically shaped pointed. end 20.

The first hammer head 12, having a length substantially greater than its width, is attached to the handle 10 by generally well known means in such a manner that the longitudinal axis 22 of first hammer head 12 is normail to the center longitudinal axis 16 of handle 10. The

first hammer head 12 is preferably about four to eight inches long as measured along its longitudinal axis 22, and'is conveniently attached tohandle 10 at or near its longitudinal midpoint. Apreferred length for said first hammer head is about 4 to 6 inches while its preferred maximum width is no greater than about l /t inches, which generally occurs at the chisel-edge with the remainder of the head having a narrower width, e.g. typi cally three-fourths inch.

The second hammerhead 14 may be attached to handle 10 by generally well known means, or by other means as more fully discusses hereinafter. As shown,

the second hammer head 14 is preferably cylindrically shaped with a flat striking surface 24 and a rounded striking surface 26. Dimensionally, the second hammer head ,14 is no greater than 2 inches in diameter and is preferably about 1 inch to about 1% inches with a typical diameter being about 1% inches and about 1 inch to 3 inches in length and preferably about 1% to about 2 inches and typically about 1% inches long as measured along its longitudinal axis 28. Attachment of the second hammer head 14 to handle 10 is in such a manner that the longitudinal axis 28 of said second hammer head 14 is normal to the center longitudinal axis 16 of handle 10.

As can best be seen in FIG. 2, which is an end view of the hammer tool of FIG. 1, the first hammer head 12 and second hammer head 14 are attached to handle 10 in such a fashion that an angular displacement exists between their respective longitudinal axes 22 and 28 when those axes 22 and 28 are projected onto a plane perpendicular to the center longitudinal axis 16 of han dle 10. The angular displacement, as shown, is preferably about 30, but may be any value from about to about 70 as convenient to the user. As depicted in FIG. 3, the preferred angular displacement of about 30 permits convenient gripping and ease in use by having the longitudinal axis of the hammer head at the gripped end substantially conform'to the natural cant of the back part of palm of the hand 32 (closest to wrist), when the hand 32 is gripping the handle 10 at either end in a conventional manner for conventional use.

With the longitudinal axis 28 of second hammer head 14 serving a a vertical reference'in FIG. 2, the angular displacement between the second hammer head 14 and placement in the counter-clockwise direction results in a hammer tool more suitable for use by the left hand. This is more readily understood by reference to FIG. 3, wherein a right hand 32 is shown gripping the welders hammer tool of this invention with clockwise rotation as above described in the vicinity of first hammer head 12. As illustrated, the displacement conforms to the natural cant of the back part of the palm, while conventional alignment of the flat striking surface 24 of second hammer head 14 is maintained with respect to the hand 32 and a surface which is to be struck. The same effect is obtained should the rounded striking surface 26 be desired for use. The same effect is also obtained when the hand 32 grips the hammer tool at the second hammer head 14 end for use of the first hammer head 12 striking surfaces (not shown).

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first hammerhead is preferably attached to the handle at or near its longitudinal midpoint so that both striking surfaces are substantially the same distance transversely from the handle. The second hammer head, in contrast, is preferably attached to said handle at a point offset from its longitudinal midpoint so that its striking surface 24 is positioned a greater transverse distance from the handle 10 than the rounded surface 26. This arrangement is preferred since the flat striking surface 24 is the surface more frequently utilized. The offset arrangement for the second hammer head provides the flat striking surface at a convenient transverse distance from the bandle while providing a non-bulky, second hammer head Although a rounded surface 24 is illustrated in the drawings which is rounded substantially in only one direction, a conventional ball peen hammer surface may be utilized, and, if desired a non-striking surface of any convenient shape which does not interfere with gripping the handle near said second head may be utilized.

Optional attaching means for attaching a second hammer head 14 to handle 10 are illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. As best seen in FIG. 4, a hole 34 is provided in hammer head 14 to accept handle 10. Teeth 36, which project from the circumferential surface of hole 34, are centered, as illustrated, about 30 either side of the longitudinal axis 28 of hammer head 14.

As best seen in FIG. 5, four slots 38 are provided in handle 10, where the angular displacement between any two immediately adjacent slots is the same as the angular displacement between teeth 36. As a result the user may select the rotation between first hammer head 12 and second hammer head 14 most convenient to himself. FIG. 6 illustrates conventional screw means 40 and a conventionally threaded hole 42 for securing second hammer head 14 to handle 10. An indentation 44 in hammer head 14 is shown which provides a fiat surface for conventional screw interfacing.

FIG. 7 illustrates another optional method for attaching second hammer head 14 to handle 10. A hole 46 is provided in hammer head 14 of appropriate dimension to receive handle 10. Conventional set screw means 48 and a conventional threaded set screw hole 50 are provided to effect the attachment. Angular displacement between the first l2 and second 14 hammer heads may be varied as desired by the user by making the appropriate rotation before securing the hammer head 14 to handle 10 by inserting set screw means 48 into hole 46 and tightening some against handle 10.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be used as a manufacturing technique to produce either right-handed or left-handed hammers whereby the handle is fixedly attached to the head after the proper rotation is selected.

The handle and heads of the tool described herein are fixedly attached to one another by heat-shrinking, welding or other conventional permanent means except on tools wherein a head is adjustably rotatable.

I claim:

1. A tool comprising:

a. a substantially straight, elongated slender handle having a center longitudinal axis;

b. a first hammer head which has a longitudinal axis and a first and second striking surface each of which are of different geometric shape, said first hammer head hammer being attached to one end of said handle so that said longitudinal axis is substantially normal to said center longitudinal axis of said handle;

a second hammer head which has a longitudinal axis and at least one striking surface each of which are of different geometric shape than said first hammer head striking surfaces, said second hammer head being attached to said handle at an end opposite said first hammer head so that said longitudinal axis is substantially normal to said center longitudinal axis of said handle; and

. wherein said first and second hammer heads are so attached to said handle that an angular displacement from about to about 70 exists between the respective longitudinal axes of said first and second hammer heads when both said longitudinal axes are projected onto a plane perpendicular to said center longitudinal axis of said handle.

2. The tool of claim 1 wherein said first hammer head is a welders slag hammer head having one chisel shaped striking surface and one substantially pointed striking surface.

3. The tool of claim 2 wherein said second hammer head is substantially a solid right cylinder with a longitudinal axis, having a first striking surface which is a flat surface substantially parallel to a plane perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said head, and a second striking surface which is substantially rounded.

4. The tool of claim 3 wherein said angular displacement is not materially different from 30.

5. The tool of claim 4 wherein said welder's slag hammer head is dimensionally about 4 to 8 inches long as measured along its longitudinal axis, and said handle is dimensionally about 6 to 14 inches in length.

6. The tool of claim 5 wherein said second hammer head is dimensionally about 1% inches to about 3 inches long and about 1 inch to about 2 inches in diameter.

7. The tool of claim 6 wherein said welders slag hammer head is attached to said handle in the vicinity of its longitudinal midpoint, and said second hammer head is attached to said handle at a point closer to said rounded surface than to said flat surface.

8. The tool of claim 6 wherein said second hammer head is a ball peen hammer head.

9. The tool of claim 3 wherein said first hammer head and said second hammer head are alternately and selectively adjustably secured to said handle so that said angular displacement may be selected as convenient to the user. 

1. A tool comprising: a. a substantially straight, elongated slender handle having a center longitudinal axis; b. a first hammer head which has a longitudinal axis and a first and second striking surface each of which are of different geometric shape, said first hammer head hammer being attached to one end of said handle so that said longitudinal axis is substantially normal to said center longitudinal axis of said handle; c. a second hammer head which has a longitudinal axis and at least one striking surface each of which are of different geometric shape than said first hammer head striking surfaces, said second hammer head being attached to said handle at an end opposite said first hammer head so that said longitudinal axis is substantially normal to said center longitudinal axis of said handle; and d. wherein said first and second hammer heads are so attached to said handle that an angular displacement from about 20* to about 70* exists between the respective longitudinal axes of said first and second hammer heads when both said longitudinal axes are projected onto a plane perpendicular to said center longitudinal axis of said handle.
 2. The tool of claim 1 wherein said first hammer head is a welder''s slag hammer head having one chisel sHaped striking surface and one substantially pointed striking surface.
 3. The tool of claim 2 wherein said second hammer head is substantially a solid right cylinder with a longitudinal axis, having a first striking surface which is a flat surface substantially parallel to a plane perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said head, and a second striking surface which is substantially rounded.
 4. The tool of claim 3 wherein said angular displacement is not materially different from 30*.
 5. The tool of claim 4 wherein said welder''s slag hammer head is dimensionally about 4 to 8 inches long as measured along its longitudinal axis, and said handle is dimensionally about 6 to 14 inches in length.
 6. The tool of claim 5 wherein said second hammer head is dimensionally about 1 1/2 inches to about 3 inches long and about 1 inch to about 2 inches in diameter.
 7. The tool of claim 6 wherein said welder''s slag hammer head is attached to said handle in the vicinity of its longitudinal midpoint, and said second hammer head is attached to said handle at a point closer to said rounded surface than to said flat surface.
 8. The tool of claim 6 wherein said second hammer head is a ball peen hammer head.
 9. The tool of claim 3 wherein said first hammer head and said second hammer head are alternately and selectively adjustably secured to said handle so that said angular displacement may be selected as convenient to the user. 